2 h. ago Underrated European town with a pretty Christmas market and festive train that costs less to visit than a UK staycation

THERE is a charming, small Italian city that hosts a quiet Christmas market for less than the cost of visiting one in the UK. The tiny city of Arezzo located in the Tuscan hills of Italy features the country's largest Christmas market that is themed like an Alpine village. Each winter, according to Visit Tuscany,...

Economics

6 h. ago The charming Scottish market town with 'magnificent' castle you can stay in

It has lots of treasures to uncover while visiting.

Politics

33 h. ago ‘The cars just turn them into mush’: can Britain’s toads be saved from traffic and terrible decline?

Since 1985, the country’s toad population has almost halved, with hundreds of thousands killed on the roads each year. But many people are determined to protect them – including 274 dedicated patrol groupsIt’s 7.30 on a Friday evening, but I’m not heading to the pub or putting on a film. Instead, I’ve caught the train to a market town in Wiltshire, where I’m meeting up with members of Warminster toad patrol. These are volunteers who – like similar groups up and down the country – give up their evenings to protect their local toad population.For the common toad (scientific name Bufo bufo) is becoming increasingly uncommon. A recent study led by amphibian and reptile charity Froglife showed that the UK toad population has almost halved since 1985. To see a creature that has been a stalwart of the British countryside – not to mention a prominent feature of literature and folklore – in decline is “worrying”, says Dr Silviu Petrovan, senior researcher at the University of Cambridge and l...

Events

46 h. ago This coastal walled town has a medieval castle and has waterside pubs

Located in beautiful Pembrokeshire, the particularly walled town offers a charming blend of historical charm with a traditional market atmosphere, local shops, and proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Events

55 h. ago Town just 30 minutes from Manchester named as England's best place to retire

The quaint market town of Glossop is England's prime location for retirement, according to new research

Politics

3 d. ago The Lancashire market town with a beer hall and castle that’s a brilliant autumn day out

Browse independent shops, discover ancient history and grab a pint at one of the longest bars in the country

Economics

3 d. ago Pretty location with some of best food in UK dubbed 'loveliest town in England'

The UK's best food and drink can be found in a market town that's been dubbed the 'loveliest town in England' - and it's not where you'd expect but has grown in popularity over the years

Society

5 d. ago Fish and chip shop owner forced to quit because she's become allergic to FISH

Terri Williams, 40, has run her shop in a Powys market town for 12 years as the third generation of her family to lovingly batter their cod, hake and plaice

Politics

5 d. ago Hidden gem town with gothic ruins and fairytale castle 'everyone should visit'

Helmsley, located in North Yorkshire, is a charming market town that makes for an ideal weekend destination and can be reached in under two hours by car from Greater Manchester

Politics

5 d. ago Hidden gem market town with 'grand castle' 'everyone should visit'

It's a picturesque place that 'feels like a breath of fresh air'

Politics

5 d. ago The pretty UK town full of independent shops is 'just like York' but less crowded

The lovely market town is well worth a visit - especially in the autumn.

Politics

7 d. ago Perfect staycation town with fairytale castle surrounded by azure sea

Marazion, in Cornwall, is a historic market town that is perfect for a staycation all year round. The town is home to a fairytale castle and boasts stunning beaches

Politics

7 d. ago Pretty market town 90 minutes from Cardiff named best spot for food and drink in the UK

The UK's best food and drink can be found in a market town that's been dubbed the 'loveliest town in England' - and it's not where you'd expect

Politics

8 d. ago The Guardian view on the rising risk from flooding: uninsurable buildings should focus minds on climate adaptation | Editorial

The bleak future faced by one small town offers a cautionary tale about the threat from global heatingThe bleak prospect facing the market town of Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire, due to rising flood risks, is first and foremost a problem for locals. After seven floods in four years, and with plans for new flood defences around the town abandoned after costs rose to £30m, the town council announced this month that three buildings it owns, including a theatre and historic pump rooms, no longer have insurance. Independent retailers are in a similar situation, and some are packing up as a result. The number of empty properties is growing.Tenbury is at higher risk than most places from floods, due to its low-lying position between the River Teme and Kyre Brook. But the threat it faces is not unique, and will become more common in future. Last year UK insurers paid out a record £585m for weather-related damage to homes and possessions, after unusually s...

Events

9 d. ago Revealed: The town with magical Christmas market and 'cheapest flights' in 2025

Flights to some of Europe's most 'magical' Christmas markets have been significantly reduced, offering UK travellers the ultimate festive experience for less this winter. 

Politics

1 week ago The gorgeous market town 90 minutes from Manchester that's heaving with 100 independent shops

The pretty market town looks like it hasn't changed in generations

Economics

1 week ago Welsh market town with cosy pubs and castle walk hosts its own winter festival

Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, once named the best place to live in Wales by The Sunday Times, is home to colourful houses and indie shops

Politics

1 week ago 'I visited Hebden Bridge for the first time and it was perfect

A visit to West Yorkshire's market town was spoiled by an issue with parking - as many locals agree

Politics

1 week ago Why the UK's largest national park in Scotland is a must for wild campers this autumn

The UK’s largest national park spans the Scottish Highlands with towering peaks, lochs, forests, rivers, wildlife, and charming villages.

Politics

1 week ago Magical European town with amazing Christmas market has ‘cheapest flights’ in 2025

Airfares to the magnificent Christmas market cathedral city of Colonge have dropped significantly over the past 12 months, according to Skyscanner's 2026 Travel Trends report

Politics